Child&#39;s Activity Toy

ABSTRACT

A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment and a physical object, which includes the steps of storing on an interactive display device a computer-based programming running a set of programming codes related to a virtual representation of a physical object, providing a physical page with a representation of the physical object thereon, scanning the page with the interactive display device and identifying the physical object based upon a characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive display device when scanning, and displaying the virtual representation of the physical object on a interactive display surface defined by the interactive display device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/253,020 filed Oct. 4, 2011 and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/253,037 filed Oct. 4, 2011 both of which claim priority to U.S. Application 61/389,680 filed Oct. 3, 2010, and all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a child's activity toy, and in particular, an activity toy that allows the child to draw pictures using specifically designed pieces, holders for the pieces, and a system for sorting and reloading the pieces into the holders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children enjoy drawing, painting, and playing with bright and multiple colored toys and other pieces. Numerous designs are known for providing simple activity centers or drawing tools comprising a flat board onto which paper, or the like can be attached and onto which, a child can attached letters, shaped designs, or the like, or draw free-hand to produce an image.

While these types of devices are generally well received by most children, it would still be advantageous to provide an activity toy that would allow the child to “paint” a picture using brightly colored pieces, and then be able to collect, sort and re-use those pieces to produce additional images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention there is provided physical pages with a representation of a physical object thereon. The pages may be placed on a magnetic board and with the use of magnetic discs the user can interactive with the page by coloring the page with various colored discs. In another aspect of the invention there is the ability to then take the physical page and augment the reality of the page in a virtual environment. This can be done with an interactive display device that can scan the page for a code the invokes programming to run a virtual environment with a virtual representation of the physical object. Once in the virtual environment the user can actively function with the programming such as controlling the movement, color, style, or other attribute of the virtual representation of the physical object.

Various other aspects may be provided such as the virtual representation of the physical object could be controlled by the color of the discs.

Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a image of six disc dispensers, and related discs;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show an activity toy support board in various views including a front view, top view, side view and perspective view, respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the back surface of the activity toy, having a disc sorting system included therein;

FIG. 4 is a further image of the back surface of the activity toy with included sorting system;

FIG. 5 is an overall view of the components which may be packaged together in a commercial embodiment of the child's activity toy according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a brief illustrated description of several actions required to prepare the activity toy for use by a child;

FIG. 7 is a general view showing the manner of operation of the child's activity toy;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a user scanning a code on the page to run an application on a smart phone; and

FIG. 8B illustrates the augmented reality feature once the code is scanned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, six disc dispensers 100, are shown having each having a plurality of colored discs 102. Discs 102 are made of coated steel, and are different colors, so that each dispenser 100 dispenses differently colored discs. Discs 102 are preferably coated with colors containing fluorescent pigments.

In FIGS. 2A through 2D there is shown an activity toy 10 having a configuration similar to a computer monitor. Toy 10 includes a stand 12, and a display screen 14. Display screen 14 acts as a support board, and is coated with a thin magnetic pad, and is black in color.

Screen 14 can be illuminated using an overhead UV light, a UV light built into the activity toy, but in a preferred embodiment, UV lights are included in the Chromadepth 3D imaging glasses, and light from the glasses is projected onto the drawing board.

In FIG. 2D, a pre-printed image of a fish is shown, which is partially covered in discs 102. The rocks, also shown in FIG. 2D are “colored” with discs 102 of a different color. When viewed under UV light, using Chromadepth glasses, and using the fluorescent pigmented colored discs, the fish will appear to be at a different image “depth” than the rocks or the background, and thereby, an enhanced 3D image will be viewed.

At the top of screen 14 is a cover section 16 which is open to the screen 14. After the drawing is completed, the child pushes the discs 102 under cover 16, using a plastic ruler, or the like, so that the discs pass over the top of screen 14, and fall into an enclosed catchment area 20, best seen in FIG. 3A.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rear view of activity toy 10 is shown, including sorting system 17. The opening under cover 16 from screen 14 can be seen. It will be noted that screen 14 can be tilted forward on base 12, for this operation.

The discs fall towards sorting wheel 22, which contains 6 semi-circular openings 24 adapted to receive discs 102. Sorting wheel 22 is turned using a handle 26, and the discs are moved towards the discs exits 28 and 30. Three different sizes of discs fall through exit 28, and the other three different sizes of discs 102 fall through exit 30. Once the discs exit the sorting wheel, they roll down ramps 32 and 34, and fall into opening 36 which are the same size as the appropriate discs 102. The discs fall through tubes 38, shown in outline, and fall into dispensers 100. Only four of the six dispensers 100 are shown in recesses 40, in the back of activity toy 10,

A further image of the back side of toy 10, showing the sorting system and 6 dispensers, is also shown in FIG. 4. Use of the sorting system is as previously described herein.

Finally, it should be noted that even in situations where use of the UV lamp and Chromadepth glasses is not desired, the child still has a multiple activity toy 10 that can be used in a manner similar to prior art multiple activity toys. The child merely uses discs 102 to create a normally appearing image, and then collects the discs 102 using the sorting system 17.

In use, therefore, the child has the option of simply using the discs and board alone as a simple multiple activity toy. However, the child also has the option of using the Chromadepth glasses to provide an enhanced 3D effect when viewing the fluorescent coloured discs, and in its most preferred option, the child can use a combination of fluorescent coloured discs, with Chromadepth glasses, when viewed under UV light, to achieve the optimal visual effect

An exemplary implementation of the child's activity toy of the present invention provides a “drawing” or support board which is used in combination with a series of drawing pieces. The pieces are preferably circular discs, and are preferably held to the drawing board using magnetism. Either the discs or the board, can be magnetic, but preferably, the board comprises at least one area which acts as a magnetic, and the discs are made of steel or some other magnetic material, or the like, so as to adhere to the magnetic board.

Both the board and the discs are preferably coated, and in respect of the discs, a variety of different coloured discs are provided to the child.

In use, the child places the discs onto the board in order to produce an image from the coloured discs. In a preferred embodiment, the child is provided with a board, or a board cover (such as a cover of paper, cloth, plastic film, or the like) on which the outline of the drawing is printed. The child fills in the open areas outlined on the drawing using the coloured discs provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the coloured image is viewed by the child using three dimensional (3D) imaging technology. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the child uses a type of three dimensional imaging technology known as “Chromadepth” imaging technology, which was developed by American Paper Optics. This technique produces a 3D effect based upon differences in the diffraction of color through a special prism-like holographic film which is typically fitted into glasses worn by the viewer. Chromadepth glasses purposely exacerbate chromatic aberration and give the illusion of colors taking up different positions in space, with red being in front, and blue being in back. In more detail, the lenses of the Chromadepth glasses, are oriented sideways, so that the overall bending effect creates an image wherein it appears that parts of the scene have been shifted horizontally inwards (ie, towards the center of the user's face). In its typical configuration, the red hues are shifted more than the greens and the greens are shifted more than the blues. Thus, red elements in the 3D scene appear to converge closest to the viewer and the blue elements appear to converge the farthest away. This technique works particularly well with the sky, sea or grass as a background, and redder objects in the foreground.

Any suitably colored material can be given a 3D effect as long as the color spectrum is put into use with the foreground being in red, and the background in blue. From front to back the scheme therefore follows the visible light spectrum, from red to orange, yellow, green and blue. As a result, ChromaDepth works best with artificially produced or enhanced pictures, since the color of the object indicates and controls the “depth” of the image.

However, unlike other 3D imaging techniques, such as anaglyph images or polarization, creating real-life ChromaDepth pictures without manual enhancement is practically impossible, since the color of an actual picture may not correspond with the Chromadepth color scheme.

However, the Chromadepth technique does provide some distinct advantages over other 3D imaging techniques, since the Chromadepth image contains its apparent depth information all in one image. This eliminates the ghosting effect seen in other 3D imaging technique when the user view the objects or images without the appropriate 3D glasses. Thus, ChromaDepth images can be viewed comfortably and clearly without using the 3D glasses, even though the 3D effect will not be perceivable without them.

In the present invention, the discs are preferably colored using different colors so that the result image has a 3D effect when viewed through Chromadepth glasses.

More preferably, the inventors have discovered that the Chromadepth technology is enhanced if the colors selected use fluorescent pigments. As such, in a preferred embodiment, the image is viewed with Chromadepth glasses wherein at least some of the colored discs are colored using fluorescent pigments.

Still more preferably, the inventors have also discovered that the Chromadepth technology is further enhanced if the image is viewed under Ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light can be provided by overhead lighting, but more preferably, is provided by the UV light built into the activity toy, or, is provided by UV lamps built into the Chromadepth glasses. In this option, UV lamps are included in the glasses, and light from the glasses is projected onto the drawing board.

As such, in a further aspect, the present invention also provides Chromadepth 3D imaging glass comprising at least one UV lamp, for projection of UV light on to the image observed, with the Chromadepth glasses.

In a further feature, the activity toy of the present invention includes a disc dispenser which holds the discs, with one dispenser used for each separate colour. The dispenser has a general pen shaped appearance including a hollow tube in which the coloured discs can be stacked. When held next to the magnetic drawing board, the coloured steel discs are attracted to the board, and the disc can be individually released by releasing a containment catch on the dispenser. Thus, in use, the child brings the end of the dispenser near the board, releases the containment catch, and a coloured disc exits the dispenser, and attaches itself to the board. By releasing several discs, the child can essentially cover the bulk of the area in the outline, in a manner similar to colouring or painting.

The child can use different coloured discs to colour various items, and by selecting these different colours can create a 3D image when viewed through the Chromadepth glass. This 3D image is enhanced when viewed under UV light, and is particularly enhanced when fluorescent pigments are used.

The support board can be any suitable colour, but black is preferred since it does not interfere with the Chromadepth 3D image. The support board might also simply be a support for overlays, including overlayments which are printed on paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic film, or the like. The support board might also include a clear plastic screen that can be edge-lit with UV light.

Still further, the board includes a magnetic surface that extends upwards to the top of the board, and then curls around the top of the board before preferably partially extending down the back of the support board. This assists in collection and sorting of the disks, as will be described hereinbelow.

Most, if not all of the back of the board, however, is a non-magnetic area.

When the child is finished with the activity centre, or wishes to draw another image, the discs are slid up the board (using any suitable means such as a ruler, plastic slider, or an integral plastic slider built into the device, or the like), where they proceed over the top of the curved magnetic board, down the back of the activity toy, and then are released into a preferably enclosed catchment area located on the back of the activity board.

Once the discs fall into the catchment area, the discs can be sorted using a sorting device, as herein described.

One suitable sorting device operates as follows.

The coloured discs are typically between 1 and 4 cm, and more preferably between 2 and 3 cm in diameter. They also have a thickness of between 0.1 and 2 cm, and more preferably, between 0.3 and 0.8 cm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present device, the discs preferably have at least two different diameters, and preferably each diameter setting includes 3 differently coloured disc. Thus, the user has 6 differently coloured discs, each of which has its own unique combination of diameter and thickness.

The first component of the sorting device preferably comprises a sorting wheel being a generally circular wheel, with a crank that can be used for spinning the wheel, in one direction. The sorting wheel has a equally spaced collection of regularly shaped openings on its perimeter, which are adapted to receive any one of the colored discs.

The openings are sized and shaped so as to collect any of the discs. For example, circular discs would be caught in a wheel having semi-circular openings on its outer diameter. While circular shapes are most convenient, other shapes, such as square discs, or the like, might also be used.

Additionally, the catchment area is enclosed, preferably by a clear plastic, so that the only mechanism for the discs to exit the catchment area, is through the sorting wheel.

In one embodiment, the discs collected in the wheel pass by at least one exit point which has an exit opening size which is related to the disc size. When passing the first exit point, only discs below a selected diameter are able to exit the sorting wheel, while any larger discs must proceed to a second exit point, where any remaining discs are removed from the sorting wheel. As such, the six discs (of this example) are first sorted into two different groups.

To exit the sorting wheel, additional exit openings, each having (in order) a slightly larger exit opening size, might also be used to further sort the discs of the invention using the sorting wheel. In this case, an increased number of different disc diameters can be used to provide additional sorting capability. As such, the number of different disc diameters is preferably between two and 10, and more preferably between 2 and 6. Most preferably, however, there are only two different disc diameters.

The discs are also preferably provided with different thicknesses. Once the discs have left the sorting wheel, they roll (on end) down a “ramp” section located at each exit opening, which ramp features slots of different widths. Once a disc reaches a slot (or opening) with a width greater than its thickness, the disc falls into the slot. If the disc is thicker than the slot, it will continue over the slot, and eventually fall through the slot with a larger opening.

The number of disc thickness and/or disc diameters used, is preferably between 2 and 10, and more preferably, between 2 and 5. Most preferably, there are 2 different disc diameters so that there are two different sized openings, and preferably, there are three different disc thicknesses, and thereby, three different sized slots.

For example, for a two disc diameter, with three disc thicknesses, a total of 6 different sized discs can be sorted. In the present invention, the child therefore has a total of 6 different coloured discs that can be used on the magnetic board, and then moved to the sorting system, once the drawing is completed.

Other approaches might be taken. For example, six different disc diameters might be used, with three of the discs having a diameter so as to pass through the first exit from the sorting wheel, and three will pass through to the second exit. On each ramp, an opening can be provided that is matched to the disc size, with the smallest diameter opening closest to the sorting wheel exit. Larger discs will pass over the smaller opening and continue down the ramp until they reach the correct sized opening. At this point, they drop into the opening.

It will be noted that other combinations of these sorting techniques can be envisioned by the skilled artisan.

At the bottom of each slot or opening, is a recess provided to collect the sorted discs. Further, the recess is preferably adapted to receive a disc dispenser. The end of the disc dispenser is aligned within the slot recess, and discs falling through the slot or opening, fall into the disc dispenser.

The end of the disc dispenser is held open when connected to the recess, so as to allow the discs to fall into the dispenser.

In this manner, the child is able to quickly and easily return the discs to its correct dispenser, and each of the dispensers is now ready for the next drawing. This disc collection operation provides entertainment to the child, and reduces the number of discs which will be lost during use since the discs preferably remain either in the disc dispenser, or are magnetically attached to the board,

When not in use, the disc dispensers themselves can also be stored in their respective recesses in the activity toy, so as to also minimize the potential loss of the disc dispensers.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the present invention there is shown an overall view of the components which are generally packaged together in a current embodiment of the child's activity toy in keeping with the present invention shows a tablet 210, a dispensing pen 202, a screen swiper 204, a plurality of pre-printed stencils 206 that may be provided, a plurality of coloured discs 208 (which are generally provided in several colours, as described hereafter), and a pair of “Chromadepth” glasses 290 to appreciate the three-dimensional imaging technology as described above.

FIG. 6 shows, in five frames which are numbered 1 to 5, several preliminary actions which may be required to set the activity toy of the present invention into condition for use by a child. The instructions originally in each frame described the steps to be taken quite well, and were as follows: Frame 1: “To start filling the pens with the 3-D Magic Dots, each pen into the compartment with the latch that is the same colour as the pen cap. Make sure the clear window is facing up.” Frame 2: “Holding the main body of the pen, insert the writing tip into the refill position. When the pen is inserted correctly you will feel it click into the slot. NOTE. Each Magic pen will only fit into the correct slot. If the pen is not ‘clicking’ into position check to make sure the colour of the pen is the same as the latch.” Frame 3: “Once all the pens are in place, close the compartment spice sliding each latch across to the left side.” Frame 4: “You can draw right on the screen or lift up the frame and insert a design stencil to color.” Frame 5: “for all the 3-D Magic Dots on the stencil. Use the screen swiper to slide the 3-D Magic Dots to the top of the 3-D design tablet. Make sure all 3-D Magic Dots go through the slot at the top.”

FIG. 7 shows the tablet 210 comprises a frame 222 which may be hinged at the top edge thereof so as to permit placement of differing stencils or blank pages into the frame, as seen in FIG. 6, Frame 4. On the upper side of the frame 222 there is a planar surface 224, which is preferably made from a magnetic material. At the top edge of the planar surface 224 there is a collector slot 226, through which the coloured discs 218 which have been placed on the planar surface 224 may be pushed. At the under side of the frame 222 there is a graduated sorter mechanism.

The colored discs 218 are distinguished by being made from a material which is susceptible to magnetism, usually steel. They may have a diameter ranging from 2 mm up to about 6 mm in a usual embodiment of the present invention, and a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm up to about 2 mm. All of the colored discs 218 of any specific diameter will be coloured under top and bottom surfaces by having a specific color applied thereto, such as by painting, coating, having a coloured paper or plastic disc adhered thereto. The discs are typically colored before being punched from a sheet of materials, but other methods are also possible.

In a typical commercial embodiment of a child's activity toy in keeping with the present invention, four dispensers are provided having four different colours; and typically, those colours are red, orange, yellow, and green, ranging from the largest coloured discs 218 to the smallest coloured discs 18 in four specific diameters thereof, However, it will be clear that additional disc sizes can be provided, and additional dispensers can be provided.

In other aspects of the invention, the activity provided for in the toy can be further developed with the use of augmented reality software applications. Augmented reality is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one's current perception of reality. In one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 8A, a page 216 with an image may have embedded thereon a OR Code (quick response code), glyph, or other type of symbol or code which can be scanned by a smart phone or mobile device running a specified program. Once scanned the user can have an interactive experience with the application running on the smart phone in an augmented reality. The software application can then augment the image from the page into a 3 dimensional virtual world, or may with the use of the smart phone's video/camera begin to move the image off of the page and into the background imagery of the real world surroundings.

This experience brings to life the images and completely enhances the user's enjoyment of the toy. The software application can also allow the user to interact, color, or change the images and even as developed play games FIG. 8B.

In other aspects, the code is only capable of being recognized when scanned by the mobile device after the colored discs are fully placed on the page. In other aspects, each page would include a different code that unlocks other aspects in the application coding. Furthermore, the different colored discs or the different pends can include different codes that unlock other aspects in the application. As such using all green discs on a page may unlock a different application coding then if all blue discs where used or if multiple colors where used. Lastly, when the application is running, the user may unlock other colors in the application by scanning different color pends.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively. Finally, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a child's activity toy, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it is observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment and a physical object, comprising the steps of: storing on an interactive display device a virtual representation of a physical object; providing a physical page with a representation of the physical object thereon; when the page is disposed adjacent to the interactive display device, identifying the physical object based upon a characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive display device; and displaying the virtual representation of the physical object on a interactive display surface defined by the interactive display device.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: enabling an active function, perceptible to a user, of the virtual representation of the physical object for which an attribute of the virtual representation of the physical object is controllable by a user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the active function includes but is not limited to controlling movement, color, style, or interaction between the virtual representation of the physical object and the interactive display device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive display device is a glyph, QR code, or other computer readable code.
 5. The method of claim 1, where the characteristic of the page that is detectable by the interactive display device is the representation of the physical object.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: changing the display of the virtual representation of the physical object on the interactive display surface, when the characteristic of the page that is detectable by the interactive display device is changed.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the change to the characteristic of the page is a difference in color.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the representation of the physical object on the page is a plurality of colored discs positioned on the page.
 9. A method for enabling interaction between a virtual environment and a physical object, comprising the steps of: storing on an interactive display device a computer-based programming running a set of programming codes related to a virtual representation of a physical object; providing a physical page with a representation of the physical object thereon; scanning the page with the interactive display device and identifying the physical object based upon a characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive display device when scanning; and displaying the virtual representation of the physical object on a interactive display surface defined by the interactive display device.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: enabling an active function on the interactive display device of the virtual representation of the physical object for which an attribute of the virtual representation of the physical object is controllable by a user.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the active function includes but is not limited to controlling movement, color, style, or interaction between the virtual representation of the physical object and the interactive display device.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the characteristic on the page that is detectable by the interactive display device is a glyph, QR code, or other computer readable code.
 13. The method of claim 9, where the characteristic of the page that is detectable by the interactive display device is the representation of the physical object.
 14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: selecting a display of the virtual representation of the physical object based on a characteristic of the page that is detectable by the interactive display device, prior to the step of displaying the virtual representation of the physical object on a interactive display surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the selection of the display is based on a color of the characteristic of the page.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the representation of the physical object on the page is a plurality of colored discs positioned on the page. 